What is a dental cavity?
A dental cavity is a hole or damaged part of a tooth. It develops when acids break down the tooth enamel.
Cavities, or dental caries, can be caused by various factors. Some of them include the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth, constant grazing throughout the day, and poor oral hygiene.
Cavities are a common dental problem, and anyone can develop them, even infants. Left untreated, they can spread deep into the tooth and cause infection or tooth loss.
How do cavities form?
Cavities start with plaque, which naturally occurs on the tooth surfaces. Plaque is a colourless film that coats the teeth. It comes from the debris left after eating sugary and starchy food.
When not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which brushing and flossing won’t be able to remove. Tartar makes it even harder to clean the affected area. This gives further opportunities for acids to attack the enamel, leaving small openings or holes in the tooth where more bacteria and acid can form.
Without treatment, cavities can go deeper into the tooth. They can wear away the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel that's softer and more vulnerable to acid attacks.
As the decay progresses, acids can also reach the nerves of the tooth. This can result in heightened sensitivity and pain. Severe cavities can cause the dental pulp, the inner part of the tooth, to swell and become irritated.
What are the common signs of dental cavities?
Tooth decay doesn’t start as painful. It usually causes discomfort once it reaches the dentin and tooth roots. Here are some of the common signs of dental cavities:
- Tooth discolouration
- Holes in the tooth
- Facial swelling
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Toothaches
- Bad breath
- Tender, red, or bleeding gums
- Pain when you bite down
Who’s likely to get dental cavities?
Everyone can be at risk of developing dental cavities. Here are factors that can make you more vulnerable:
- Diet. The type of food you eat can increase your risk of developing decay and cavities. Sugary and starchy food is harder to remove.
- Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing or flossing can also cause plaque and tartar to build up and result in cavities.
- Frequent snacking. Grazing throughout the day provides more food for harmful bacteria.
- Sleeping with a baby bottle. Infants or young children are at increased risks of developing cavities if they sleep with their bottle in their mouth, containing formula, milk, or any sugary beverage.
- Lack of fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen the teeth and reverse early decay. Not getting enough fluoride can make your teeth more prone to cavities.
- Poor-fitting dental devices. Dental devices that don’t fit well can harbor debris and harmful bacteria. They can develop creases or rough surfaces where plaque can accumulate more easily.
- Dry mouth. Food debris is harder to dislodge when there's not enough salivary flow. A dry mouth can make the mouth more acidic and the teeth weaker.
The location of the tooth is also a potential risk factor. The molars or chewing surfaces located at the back are harder to reach and clean, so they’re good hosts for plaque and tartar.
Preventing cavities with regular dental checkups
You can prevent cavities with good dental hygiene habits and regular dental visits.
Through routine dental hygiene cleanings, we can get rid of plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth. Brushing and flossing won’t be effective, but special tools at the dental office are.
We can also assess your risk for developing cavities and provide oral health tips so you can care for your teeth and gums more effectively.
Ready to schedule your dental checkup and cleaning in SE Calgary? Contact us today at